Launch a Burnaby Used Household and Office Goods Moving Business
This page is your practical guide to starting a Burnaby-based moving business that handles used household and office goods (NAICS 484210). It breaks down the nine requirements you’ll meet, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, and a realistic view of startup costs and the timeline to get up and running.
You’ll learn how to register and structure your business, obtain essential protections (liability, cargo, and workers’ compensation), and choose the right trucks and moving equipment. We’ll guide you through the permit process, business licenses, and basic compliance steps. We’ll outline typical startup costs—from vehicles and insurance to branding, uniforms, and moving supplies—and map a practical 4–8 week timeline to your first job.
Burnaby offers strong demand from both households and offices, plus excellent transport links and proximity to Vancouver. With a clear plan and these nine requirements in hand, you can launch confidently, build a solid local reputation, and start serving customers sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a used household and office goods moving business in Burnaby is Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification. This certification is legally required to transport items that are considered dangerous, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable, so obtain and keep your certification current before you start any moves that involve potentially hazardous materials.
Beyond that, your daily operations must meet health and safety standards and permit requirements. Focus on safety-related credentials such as National Safety Code compliance and a BC NSC certificate for your vehicles, and ensure you have proper cargo and liability insurance. You should also arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for workplace safety and injury protection, along with any required safety training for your crews. These steps help protect your team, your customers, and your business.
From a registration and tax perspective, you’ll want to secure important business identifiers. Start with a Business Number (BN) registration, then register your business name in BC (whether you’re a sole proprietor or a partnership). For taxes, register for GST/HST, and if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. Getting these in place early keeps you compliant and avoids surprises later.
Next steps: map out a simple timeline, contact the appropriate regulatory bodies or a local small-business advisor, and begin gathering the required documents. With the critical certification handled and the registrations underway, you’ll have a clear path to launching your Burnaby moving service—confidently, legally, and safely. If you’d like, I can tailor this into a practical checklist for your exact start date.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a used household and office goods moving in Burnaby:
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Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification RequiredCarriers transporting dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations including training, placarding, documentation, and emergency response assistance plans. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA). TDG certificate required. Training: general awareness + site-specific. Employer issues certificate. 3-year validity. Proper classification, packaging, documentation. Emergency response. CANUTEC: 613-996-6666 (emergencies). Contact TC: 1-855-824-2020.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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Cargo and Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Commercial carriers must maintain adequate cargo insurance, public liability insurance, and in some cases surety bonds to cover loss, damage, and third-party claims. Cargo liability insurance for freight carriers. Transport Canada requirements. Minimum coverage levels. Interstate/international requirements. Bill of lading requirements. Contact insurance broker or Transport Canada.
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British Columbia NSC Certificate ConditionalRequired for commercial vehicles. Commercial trucking companies must hold a valid NSC Certificate from British Columbia. Obtain NSC Certificate from BC Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement: 1. Required for carriers operating commercial vehicles >4,500kg GVW 2. Apply through CVSE (cvse.ca) 3. Complete online safety course and knowledge assessment 4. Provide: company registration, insurance ($1M minimum), driver records 5. Safety Fitness Certificate ratings: Satisfactory/Conditional/Unsatisfactory 6. Must maintain: driver hours, vehicle inspections, maintenance records 7. Subject to facility audits and roadside inspections Apply at gov.bc.ca/cvse
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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National Safety Code Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Interprovincial truck carriers must comply with National Safety Code standards for vehicle maintenance, driver hours of service, cargo securement, and safety management. National Safety Code (NSC) for commercial carriers. Provincial CVOR/NSC registration. Safety rating system. Hours of service (HOS) compliance. ELD mandate. Driver qualification files. Vehicle inspection and maintenance. Facility audits. Contact provincial transport authority.
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